Food Cravings and Aversions During Pregnancy

Finding new taste turn-ons (and turn-offs!) every day? Here's what causes food cravings and aversions during pregnancy, and what you can do about them.

Pickles, pie, ice cream, oh my! If your taste buds have gone haywire, join the club. Pregnancy cravings and aversions are incredibly common. In fact, 50 to 90 percent of expectant women may have a sudden urge for a particular food or dish, while many others are suddenly turned off by foods they used to like.

When do food cravings and aversions generally start during pregnancy?

Food cravings usually start to emerge at the end of the first trimester, peak and intensify during the second trimester, and then typically begin to subside. Around the same time, many pregnant women also experience at least one food aversion, or a new sense of repulsion at the very thought of a snack they previously enjoyed. Food aversions are often associated with morning sickness and nausea. And while you may experience both intense cravings and revulsions at the same time, research suggests these urges are probably unrelated to each other.

What causes food cravings and aversions during pregnancy?

Several factors may be at work when it comes to those appetite turn-ons and turn-offs you're experiencing now that you're pregnant:

Hormones. Pregnancy hormones may play a role, especially early in pregnancy when your body is positively flooded with them (if you experienced strong cravings for, say, chocolate before pregnancy, especially before your period, you’re likely to feel the same urges now).

Wacky senses. Your taste receptors and your sense of smell may be super sensitive, dull or generally out of whack (all are common during pregnancy). So a bite of broccoli might seem downright disgusting because your mouth is hyper-attuned to its bitterness.

Crossed nutrition signals.There may also be some truth to the notion that you crave what your body needs and are repulsed by what's not good for you. This theory works with pre-pregnancy favorites like coffee and alcohol, which can suddenly turn off regular drinkers of both. But it doesn't quite explain why you might turn your nose up at healthy foods you used to love, such as salad or oatmeal. One theory is that humans have moved so far from the original food chain that the body can no longer reliably interpret its own internal signals. Yes, your body knows it needs vitamin C and calcium, but these days that may translate into a craving for a dish of Chunky Monkey ice cream with crushed Oreos, instead of a slice of cantaloupe and a glass of milk.

A need for comfort (food). You may crave special foods and dishes that you associate with your culture and upbringing (one study found that expectant Japanese women had cravings for rice, for example), especially while you’re waiting for your baby to arrive. So if you want the mac and cheese you adored as a child, go for it!

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What can I do about food cravings and aversions during pregnancy?

You can't always fight these symptoms, so just try to respond to cravings and aversions with reason. Keep in mind that most disappear or lessen by the fourth month — if yours don't, it may be an indication of an emotional need you should address. Talk to your partner: If what you really crave is some more TLC, he or she should be able to help out with extra hugs and attention (or at least pick up some takeout). Here are some other helpful tips:

Try to avoid going crazy with pregnancy cravings that do nothing for you nutritionally — even while you indulge them. For example, go for a mini chocolate bar instead of a king-sized version, or a glass of low-fat chocolate milk rather than a tray of brownies.

When cravings strike, head for the hills (or another distracting place). Take a walk or go to the gym. Even reading a book or calling a friend for a chat may take your mind off that glazed donut that's calling your name.

Give in to your cravings once in a while (though not for alcohol) — then eat well for the rest of the day.

If food aversions during pregnancy are limiting your food intake, look for substitutes for the healthy foods you can't stomach right now.

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Can I prevent food cravings and aversions during pregnancy?

Probably not, but you can get ahead of what to stock up on and what to avoid. For example, if you know you’re craving sweets (as up to 60 percent of pregnant moms say they do) and dairy products, load up on fresh fruit and yogurt so you don’t binge on chocolate milkshakes (although one or two probably won’t hurt you!). On the other hand, if the smell of Chinese food makes you gag, tell your spouse to order a pizza instead. Final thought: If your mom had cravings and aversions, chances are you will too. Like mother, like daughter!

When can I expect food cravings and aversions to end while I'm pregnant?

Most pregnant women say their food cravings peak during the second trimester. But don’t be surprised if your strange taste-related symptoms ebb and flow without following any particular pattern. By the third trimester, your appetite and taste buds may well be the way they were pre-pregnancy. If not, don’t fret ... your eating habits will get back to normal once the baby is born.

When should I call the doctor about food cravings and aversions?

Call your practitioner if you crave weird substances such as clay, ashes or laundry starch. This type of craving, known as pica, may be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, particularly of iron. Also, if your morning sickness just won’t quit, talk to your doctor about medications that can relieve common early pregnancy symptoms related to nausea.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. Health information on this site is based on peer-reviewed medical journals and highly respected health organizations and institutions including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), as well as the What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.

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What to Expect When You're Expecting, 5th Edition, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.